Warning Signs of Self-Injury

The appearance of lighters, razors, or sharp objects that one would not expect among a person's belongings.

Low self-esteem.

Difficulty handling feelings.

Relationship problems.

Poor functioning at work, school, or home.

How Is Self-Injury Diagnosed?

If an individual shows signs of self-injury, a mental health professional with self-injury expertise should be consulted. That person will be able to make an evaluation and recommend a course of treatment. Self-injury can be a symptom of psychiatric illness including:

How Is Self-Injury Treated?

Treatment for self-injury may include:

Psychotherapy: Counseling can be used to help a person stop engaging in self-injury.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a group- and individually-based treatment program that helps people gain greater mastery over self-destructive impulses (such as self-injury), learn ways to better tolerate distress, and acquire new coping skills through techniques such as mindfulness.

Group therapy: Talking about your condition in a group setting to people who have similar problems may be helpful in decreasing the shame associated with self-harm, and in supporting healthy expression of emotions.

Family therapy: This type of therapy addresses any history of family stress related to the behavior and can help family members learn to communicate more directly and openly with each other.